madbeanpedals::forum

Projects => Build Reports => Topic started by: eldanko on August 19, 2013, 03:18:18 PM

Title: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: eldanko on August 19, 2013, 03:18:18 PM
I'M BACK.

Actually, *most* of my pedal building stuff is still sort of scattered from my recent move, but I did manage to dig out enough to finish this thing up.

It's a Stage Fright built to stock specs (no UniVibe mod). The enclosure is "Black Chrome Cherry" from PPP and looks nothing like the photo on their site, to be honest. ;) Nevertheless, it looks pretty cool with the clear decal on it. This particular enclosure ended up with some imperfections during the move, so the aesthetics aren't perfect. Can anyone name the video game the graphic comes from? (calling all fellow nerds...)

Sound-wise, I'm not entirely sure if it's working properly. On the 5 stage setting, I get a good deal of added bass with the mids sucked out a bit. On the 6 stage setting, I get a good deal of mids and highs but almost no bass frequencies. I initially ordered 2 LM13700s instead of 3 and ended up getting my 3rd one from a different source later (see pics)... could that be the culprit? I've already double checked my cap values...

(http://www.danekinser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Starman-Phase-2.jpg)

(http://www.danekinser.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Starman-Phase.jpg)

NOW WITH MOVING PICTURES!

Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: Haberdasher on August 19, 2013, 03:20:20 PM
beautiful all the way!
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: lincolnic on August 19, 2013, 03:37:06 PM
Sweet Earthbound reference!
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: eldanko on August 19, 2013, 03:47:35 PM
Quote from: lincolnic on August 19, 2013, 03:37:06 PM
Sweet Earthbound reference!

We have a winner.  ;D
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: raulduke on August 19, 2013, 04:04:13 PM
Sweet build dude.

I thought the same when I built mine; that something wasn't built right due to the large tonal variations between the two settings.

After a bit of research though I think the large tone variations between 5 stages and 6 may be the nature of the beast. Would be cool if Brian could clear up any confusion over the matter though.

I've got used to mine now and think its a great phaser.

Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: kothoma on August 19, 2013, 04:09:01 PM
Great looking. And really tight at the top! Will have cost you some nerves.
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: pickdropper on August 19, 2013, 05:43:17 PM
First if all, those graphics + knob choice = total win.

As far as the sound, I noticed the exact same thing on my Andromeda build.  The 5/6 stage switch gives totally different sounds, but neither one is exactly what I am looking for.

Try playing with the caps in the feedback loop on the chips.  I believe they are C4-C9.  I believe Scruffy said that increasing them will address this.  Some like the values used in the small stone (6.8nF?).  I actually bought a second board and socketed these positions so that I can play around and not go into the Andromeda until I have decided what I want.

I believe Brian said his original Maestro sounded  exactly like what you get with the stock values, but he can correct me if I am mistaken.
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: juansolo on August 19, 2013, 06:12:36 PM
Winning, in every way.  8)
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: jimilee on August 19, 2013, 06:23:35 PM
Did you mess with the trim pot? Mine is turned all the way up, that's where the switch is most noticeably different. There isn't a huge difference in 5 or 6 stages though.
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: Vallhagen on August 19, 2013, 07:54:53 PM
Brilliantly tight; great enclosure work:)
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: eldanko on August 20, 2013, 01:48:21 AM
Thanks for the kind words guys. It really didn't seem that tight putting it together... if you notice, the pots aren't board mounted so I didn't have to worry too much.

Thanks for the feedback regarding the difference in stages; I was trying to compare my sounds to the tones 'Bean was getting in the demo vid, but I suppose there's too many different factors at play to really make a fair comparison.

Nevertheless, I am happy with the sounds I'm getting and can certainly find uses for them.
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: jubal81 on August 20, 2013, 03:03:52 AM
Brilliant! I really love this - especially the way you did the control fonts.
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: lincolnic on August 20, 2013, 04:09:32 AM
Quote from: eldanko on August 19, 2013, 03:47:35 PM
Quote from: lincolnic on August 19, 2013, 03:37:06 PM
Sweet Earthbound reference!

We have a winner.  ;D

You mean I get to take the pedal home? Sweet, I'll PM you my address!  ;D
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: jkokura on August 21, 2013, 05:14:39 PM
I really like that look man. Clean Dane.

Jacob
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: eldanko on August 21, 2013, 10:13:46 PM
Working good now... sounds much bigger at full volume. Added a video!
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: jimilee on August 22, 2013, 12:28:25 AM
Quote from: eldanko on August 21, 2013, 10:13:46 PM
Working good now... sounds much bigger at full volume. Added a video!
what did you do?
Title: Re: Starman Phase - Stage Fright build
Post by: eldanko on August 22, 2013, 01:19:42 AM
When I was first testing it, it was at bedroom volume through smaller speakers. It really comes alive at louder volumes (I usually find myself saying this about overdrives, not modulation pedals). It also seemed to do a little better with a boosted signal coming in - in the video, I'm running a compressor and Fatpants before it, both slightly above unity volume.